By: Jasmine West
Oluwatosin Martins, a workforce development leader with experience serving people affected by the criminal justice system, has been appointed deputy director of Oakland County’s Department of Public Services.
County Executive Dave Coulter announced the appointment Tuesday, June 23.
Martins will help oversee work involving Children’s Village, Pretrial and Justice Services, the Medical Examiner’s Office and Animal Control. Her responsibilities will include supporting the county’s criminal justice programs and helping shape how the department serves residents.
“Olu’s extensive background in workforce development and organizational leadership will be a tremendous asset as we continue strengthening the programs and services provided through our Department of Public Services,” Coulter said.
Martins brings more than 15 years of experience in workforce development, nonprofit management, strategic planning and employment programs. Much of her work has focused on people who face barriers to employment, including those returning home from incarceration.
Before joining Oakland County, Martins served as Midwest regional program director for the Center for Employment Opportunities, an organization that connects people recently released from incarceration with jobs and employment support.
She managed programs, budgets, contracts and performance standards for five Midwest offices. She also worked with government agencies, employers and community organizations to expand employment services and secure funding.
That background will be central to her work with Oakland County’s pretrial and justice programs.
“Her experience and passion for supporting justice-impacted individuals make her a perfect fit for this role,” Department of Public Services Director Barb Hankey said. “She has hit the ground running and is already making an impact on expanding opportunities for the individuals we serve.”
Martins previously served as program director for the Michigan Works! Livonia American Job Center. She led employment and training programs, developed relationships with employers and expanded apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities.
She has also worked as a data and performance manager and career development facilitator.
Oakland County Deputy Executive Madiha Tariq said Martins’ understanding of workforce systems and experience working across organizations will help the county improve its services.
“Olu’s leadership experience and deep understanding of workforce systems make her an excellent addition to our team,” Tariq said. “Her ability to build partnerships and develop innovative solutions aligns perfectly with our goal of delivering responsive, effective services to our residents.”
The Department of Public Services oversees several county operations that residents often encounter during difficult or sensitive moments.
Children’s Village houses and provides services for young people involved in the juvenile court system. Pretrial and Justice Services works with people awaiting court proceedings. The Medical Examiner’s Office investigates sudden and unexpected deaths, while Animal Control handles shelter services, enforcement and animal welfare cases.
Martins holds a Master of Business Administration in organizational management from Eastern University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and organizational behavior from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
She is also pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership. Her studies focus on workforce planning, leadership practices and how employers can create better career opportunities for workers.
Martins was selected for Oakland County’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. She is a member of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals and the International Leadership Association.
